I found this wonderful blog which had 5 Dr Phil shows which in part slammed the VA for its failure to support and care for the VETs but after about two weeks of thought, I have to admit that Dr Phil has this only partially right. See, for the past 10 years, I have endured the wonders of the VA system, both the good and bad sides but the good Ole doc has failed to identify something critical in his argument in the healthcare of the servicemen.
I have faced a flawed VA system since 2000. Flawed not by its own fault but due to poor funding, governmental downsizings resulting from DoD right sizing following the Gulf War and red tape put in place by republican initiated policy meant to curb big DEM government. But as Bush’s war for oil and on Terror got under way, pressure from the Democrats forced him to overturn some of his VA budget cuts. As a result, the VA was once again able to hire PCMs and other specialists in once vacant positions and started to provide services that often took months to schedule.
Suddenly, VETS world wide no longer had to wait 18 months for an appointment but there was a huge influx of wounded being released at a rapid rate from the armed forces, which still strained the newly structured VA system. It seems the war was taking a higher toll of human lives and well being than the administration led the American people to believe it would.
In addition, the administration was holding the VA Chief accountable for his performance, a rating which not only reflected upon his OER but would reflect upon his department’s funding for the upcoming year. Show improvements, receive funding but show inability to handle the PTSD and suicide rates and funding will have to be reconsidered. Of course numbers will be skewed.
But the problem is not the VA. See, for the last two weeks, I have been very ill with service connected issues and the VA has jumped to help me get seen when the cancer scare surfaced last week. The VA has also helped me greatly with my PTSD, helping me find direction to my anger issues, my thoughts of suicide and to help me find solutions to my long term medical conditions which are hampering my ability to manage my life in a productive manner. They are a great help to those who know the system, who are in the system and seek help. They are here to help and provide us a service above expectations and far above that which I encountered in 2000.
So how does this and Dr. Phil’s comments in the last December’s videos intermingle? Simple! I am a VET and I am a civil servant working with the WTB (Warrior Transition Battalion) and I see how the military is failing its service members by expediting the separation of the WT (warrior in transition) before adequate treatment is provided and by rushing the servicemen through separation. This covers the military’s ass from possible charges of another gulf war syndrome and puts full care of the VET in the hands of the VA.
The VA just has to find out what additional issues the Service member might have that the Army has not uncovered or failed to diagnose or tried to discourage or better yet, persuaded to the SM to hide. See, the WTB is intimidating for the WT and the care and service providers tend to lie to the soldier daily, misleading them of their rights.
The service members are being separated too fast and this is placing a burden on the VA. The VA is not getting the funding it should be while the military is pumping millions into the WTBs under GWOT. This money is being misused and my take, this money should be placed in the hands of the VA, removed from DoD hands and used for the wounded.
Dr. Phil cares about the troops, but I think his report did a grave injustice to the VA. He needs to refocus more on the military’s role in rehabilitation. The MIL MED System plays a roll and it is not as golden as they want you to think.
well, i have to say i’m not in agreement with these conclusions, but i like your viewpoint.